Hi,
Thanks for the responses so far.
A few years ago, i would have used the word convert, but many Sikhs do not seem to have stomach for it. I would even go as far to say that the Sikhs are almost allergic to the word.
Being perfectly honest, what did make me bring up this topic was when i read about the plight of our Brothers and Sisters in Swat whos homes have been Demolished for having the courage of being Sikh in Pakistan. I could not help but feel that had we had a stronger presence, then we would at least have the opportunity to defend ourselves and looking at the bigger picture, half the problems we face as a Panth would never materialise.
Permit me to say Safety in numbers without risk of a Backlash. Please note, i do not mean Ghettoisation, but Synergisation and that too with people who are of differet ethnic origins. The difference being that the former is Confining and closing yourself in, whilst the latter is freely coming together, being open and secure and building the Dharma naturally with an guiding hand.
Answering a few questions, Propogation for me means:
1) Teaching Sikhs about the Dharma in a structured, organised, long term sustainable way where it actually makes a difference to the Brothers and Sisters Lives.
2) Teaching the Dharma to Brothers and Sisters who are of other Dharma's beyond the superfical, so that they not only have an understanding of it, but an appreciation for it. Perhaps becoming Sikh in the process because it actually resonates with their inner thoughts and feelings.
I think that this is a fair way and suits the temprament of the Sikh pysche, generally speaking ofcourse.
Re the fact that we are a young Dharma does not mean that we should not propogate The Teachings of the Gurus. If anything, this should be motivation for us.
We have an abundant amount of Finance in hand but waste it on things that do nothing but bolster the fragile Egos of the few in an attempt to pretend that we are doing well when nothing could be further from the truth.
Examples include the new gurdwara opening up in Gravesend, UK
"The parade included a stop for a Kirtan Diwan (Service) in front of the spectacular new £12million Gurdwara[?] due to fully open by April 2010."
Source:
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Gravesend - Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh! - Index
If sincerely doubt that if I or anyone for that matter had gone in and asked for £120,000 to teach the Dharma, i would get it.
How long can a house built on quick sand last, Even if it is beautiful?
Moving on, I believe that all Dharmas want to see their teachings and thinking mirrored in society as a whole. Therefore for The Sikhs this would be Tolerance, Kindness, Generousity, Love, Peace, to name but a few.
But in the same breath, when our words and actions show that we do not wish to actually progress the Dharma in any meaningful way, what we are actually saying is that we wish that other Dharmas would so the same as us.
What we are saying is do not bother me, do not rock the boat, do not question me, let us maintain the status quo whilst closing our ears and covering our ears.
For me, this stems from a lack of understanding, an insecurity about ones own beliefs and i would even go as far as to say that in the vast majority of cases, though clearly not all, that this is the manifestation of a self defence mechanism.
The result is the Sikhs becoming non-majorities in all areas of life with the respective treatment being metted out to them.
The only thing in life that is permanent is change, and change go to those with the momentum.
Thanks,
Lotus